§ 45. Mr. Rankinasked the Prime Minister what reply he has made, or proposes to make, to the petition against 29 Polaris submarine bases sent to him from the people of Sandbank of the Holy Lock.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. R. A. Butler)I have been asked to reply.
This petition did not ask for a reply, nor did it indicate where a reply should be sent.
§ Mr. RankinWill the right hon. Gentleman consider another escape route? Does he realise that the 300 residents who signed this petition represent the overwhelming majority of people in this village on the shores of the Holy Loch? Does he also realise that it harmonises with the view of organised labour in the whole of southwest Scotland? In view of the resentment at the presence of this vessel, could not the right hon. Gentleman find more distant and friendlier waters in which to put it?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir. I fear that the decision has already been taken. While we fully appreciate the sincerity and depth of feeling involved in the petition, I do not think that I can add to the Prime Minister's previous answers on this subject, nor anticipate the debates we are to have on it in the course of this week.
§ Sir J. DuncanCan my right hon. Friend say what he has done with the petition?
§ Mr. ButlerThe petition has been carefully filed for further study.
§ Mr. ShinwellEven if the right hon. Gentleman and his hon. Friends regard this petition as being from a minority, is that a reason for derision and ridicule on the benches opposite?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir. I have just said that we have no reason to underestimate the sincerity of the petition. I answered a Question on behalf of the Prime Minister in relation to this village and the feelings of it about this base no longer than a week or two ago. There is no doubt about our sincerity concerning the depth of feeling, because we are dealing with something of intense importance, especially to the locality. If I can make that clear, I will be only too glad to do so.